If you spend enough time around the fire service you first get to the sons of some legendary firefighter who no doubt championed the cause of our industry and was the rock by which all future members were measured. 

     Then those “sons” become the legends and the examples of how to be a strong union man and a “class act”.  Then eventually you meet your contemporary’s offspring who have just started their careers.  Or maybe you run across the nephews or even daughters of those in the NJFMBA that you greatly respect.  You come to identify a theme. 

     The tradition of excellence, of honor, of integrity and of class is woven into the fabric of the fire service in some cases so deep we often take it for granted or fail to recognize its constancy.  It sometimes takes time to manifest itself or sometimes takes a generation or two off.  It sometimes begins anew with some fine recruit who has no ties what so ever in the fire service.  But have no doubt it comes and continues to flourish. 

     I speak of the Sawicki’s and Dolkes and Smith’s and Michelin’s and McCormack’s and Fanelli’s and Padilla’s and Brower’s and Allen’s and Lukenda’s and McMonagles and on and on and on.   And you realize that while those “good old days” were in fact great and the leaders back then were legendary, today’s generation certainly has its leaders and is in fact in very good hands. 

     Those we speak of with reverence and nostalgia have given way to many who carry on the fight for respect and unity and will no doubt be the subject of adulation and  respect from the generation of firefighters yet to come. 

     We have had great leaders in the past and I of course enjoy remembering their contribution.  I have recently also come to appreciate the wonderful continuation and lineage of our current and soon to be leaders of locals and associations. 

     It is clear that those who begin to step into positions of influence have the pedigree and the inclination to be as great or greater than those who have gone before us.  The transition of tradition may take time and we make be slow to recognize it, but make no mistake about it, FMBA Union leadership will continue to flourish and is everywhere around us. 

     Remember and respect those who have gone before us but take notice of the potential we currently enjoy watching mature.  We have challenges, but I suspect we will continue to overcome as sure as our sons and daughters out perform our highest expectations. 

     Thank you to all who have taken the time to serve our locals and our industry with their time and effort and tradition.